Cheryl Santa Maria

The Reality Shows

tina — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Described by Ben Brantley of the New York Times as someone with the “power to disturb,” Karen Finley is a woman with her finger on the pulse of America.

Renowned for her performance art, she is an underground favorite and a feminist idol. Her ability to tie satire, sex, and snappy political commentary into every aspect of her work is a brilliant, modern-day re-vamp of the “personal is political” mantra.

Finley’s most recent book, The Reality Shows, is a collection of transcripts from performances spanning the last decade. “Make Love” is an intimate recollection of the September 11 attacks and “The Passion of Teri Schiavo” is a biting and brilliant essay on America’s almost hysterical infatuation with the “victimized woman.”

Finley’s fictional portrayal of political and pop culture figureheads is challenging and at times, absurd. In “George & Martha” she describes, in great detail, a fictional affair between Martha Stewart and George W. Bush. Later on, the reader ventures inside the mind of Silda Spitzer in the days following the prostitution scandal that forced her husband Eliot to resign as the Governor of New York.

Finley’s plays, complex in nature, daunting, and a hotbed of controversy and debate, are simplistic at their core. Each essay, performance piece, and poem invites the audience to take an introspective look at the passions and insecurities that govern most actions. Finley has an incredible ability to peel back the layers of the world’s most powerful figureheads and reveal the fragility underneath. In a world driven by hysteria, misinformation, bias, and greed, this is a truly refreshing take on the American political landscape.

The Reality Shows is not a book that a large audience will appreciate, but that’s never been Finley’s style. It is a thought-provoking, laugh-producing read that will leave the reader wanting to see more of the world filtered through Finley’s eyes.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, April 11th 2011

Gay Bar: The Fabulous, True Story of a Daring Woman and Her Boys in the 1950s

annette — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

By Will Fellows, Helen P. Branson

University of Wisconsin Press

Will Fellows has uncovered a gem with Gay Bar, a re-issue of the 1957 novel by Helen Branson. The original memoir, typed up on an old Polish typewriter, tells the tale of the gay establishment she operated in 1950s Los Angeles. The story revolves heavily around her clientele, a group of businessmen and entrepreneurs whom she affectionately refers to as “her boys.”

While most gay bars of the era were sketchy at best, Branson was committed to providing a clean and safe environment for her boys. She was notoriously strict about the men she allowed into her bar. Newcomers would be screened upon arrival and “troublemakers” would be thrown out without a moment’s hesitation. Helen’s commitment to maintaining her bar, combined with the affection she felt for her boys, are what garnered her loyal following. For the men that frequented her establishment, Branson was more than just a bar maid. She became a part of their lives, often acting as counselor and friend.

Branson’s book is notable for a few reasons. Aside from being one of the first-known publications written by a heterosexual to treat gay men with any semblance of respect, Branson’s portrayal of homosexuality stands in stark contrast to academic publications of the time. While most papers categorized homosexuals as “deviants,” Branson outlines the similarities between hetero and homosexuals. She makes a point to tell the individual stories of her clients, demonstrating a human side to a group that was generally thought of as selfish and unfeeling.

Fellows provides social commentary throughout the book alongside passages from era-appropriate, gay-friendly publications. This, in combination with Branson’s assertion that her boys grappled with “real problems”, help create an authentic snapshot of 1950s gay culture. Excerpts from ONE Magazine, the first pro-gay publication in the United States, outline the loneliness, anger, and frustration that some homosexual males endured.

Gay Bar is not an academic piece, but rather, a story of friendship and compassion. While Fellows’ commentary demonstrates how far gay rights have progressed, it also serves as a reminder that ignorance and stigma persist. Homosexuals continue to face enormous societal challenges, largely due to a lack of understanding. It is for this very reason that books like Branson’s are so important. I do not only recommend Gay Bar for its readability but also for its empathy.

We would all be better off if we learned to embrace one another as readily as Helen Branson.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, December 6th 2010

Fearless: The 7 Principles of Peace of Mind

annette — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

By Brenda Shoshanna

Sterling Ethos

A healthy dose of fear is necessary at times, but I often wonder how much further ahead humanity would be if it wasn’t bound by insecurity. Fear-based emotions like jealously, aggression and insecurity have wreaked havoc on our collective development, leading to war, oppression and famine.

Oftentimes we are hindered by the “worst case scenarios” that we dream up in our minds. This, according to Brenda Shoshanna, is no way to live.

In her book Fearless: The 7 Principles of Peace of Mind, Shoshanna examines the fear-based psyche and offers seven steps for eliminating negativity. Shoshanna believes that understanding our personal and professional fears will lead to a greater self-awareness, that negativity cannot be fought with negativity and that fear dissipates in the presence of love.

Her assertion that love should be embraced and fear rejected is simplistic. A closer inspection however does reveal complexities. How exactly does one “let go” of paralyzing phobias? How does one “dissolve” fear?

Shoshanna attempts to lead her readers through this mental quandary with the help of Buddhist teachings. She believes that enlightenment can only be achieved by embracing discomfort. Fear is, after all, nothing more than a mental construct, bred into existence by unrealistic expectations. Understanding the ebb and flow of life, embracing true natures, and turning attentions towards positive things will, according to Shoshanna, lead to a more purposeful existence. Shoshanna’s seven principles appear to be based in common sense rather than any form of scientific or sociological study. New-age clichés are prevalent throughout. She urges her readers to “cultivate the miracle of love”, to “embrace” their “perfect nature” and to “find the precious jewels” in their lives.

I suspect that Fearless will be popular among self-help enthusiasts. Those that don’t subscribe to new age mentalities, however, will find nothing new here. Despite being filled with Buddhist fables and real-life anecdotes, the book is merely an ad naseum repetition of the notion that life is too short to be bound by fear.

That said, there is a place for this book. The true path to enlightenment is, after all, an ongoing journey. Books like Fearless are useful in that they help maintain focus. Shoshanna has included a “Workshop” at the end of the book that demonstrates how the seven principles can be incorporated into daily life. In my opinion, this is the most useful section of Fearless as it allows the reader time for introspection.

I wouldn’t classify this book as a challenging read but Fearless does inspire meditation and personal reflection, important practices that are absent from the average daily routine. While I could relay criticism about Shoshanna’s writing style and the grammatical layout of the book (she really does love her commas), I’ll choose instead to focus on the fact that Fearless relays an important message. It is for that reason that I will, reluctantly, recommend the book.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, December 1st 2010

The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:00:00 +0000

By Ivanka Trump

Touchstone

I’ve always admired Ivanka Trump. As the Vice President of Real Estate and Acquisitions for the Trump Organization and owner of her own luxury jewelry line, I look to her as a role model. Her first foray into literature has been wildly successful, landing on the New York Times Bestseller List and garnering praise from the publishing community. Although the book starts out promising enough, with Trump refusing to apologize for the advantages she has enjoyed, her sage and learned advice begins to take a backdrop to anecdotes about her privilege.

Throughout the book, Trump attempts to prove that her success is not a product of her family name but of her hard work. This assertion, however, is undermined by constant references to her less-than-ordinary upbringing. Few if any people other than Ivanka Trump can boast that Michael Jackson attended their childhood ballet recital, nor could they brag about having a “part-time job” as a world-class fashion model while in school. Many of Trump’s youthful recollections involve some of the most influential people in the world and, while fascinating to read, discredit the notion that hard work will yield success similar to Trump’s.

Contrary to Trump’s belief, her career trajectory cannot be credited to hard work, at least not exclusively. Her refusal to acknowledge that high profile connections have played a role in her development is absurd. Prior to graduating from college, Trump was offered an internship at Vogue by Anna Wintour, the magazine’s editor-in-chief. I sincerely doubt that even the most brilliant fashion journalist with limited connections would be offered such a coveted position from the editor herself—and prior to graduation, no less.

It’s true that Trump’s successes are her own, but her book overlooks the fact that success comes from being in the right place at the right time, and is dependent upon having the opportunity to excel. Trump tries to downplay this notion, but I believe it is something that she understands intrinsically. Her book is called The Trump Card after all, undoubtedly a strategic decision to capitalize off of her family’s famous name. Branding the book as “Trump certified” probably didn’t hinder her chances of securing a publisher, either.

The Trump Card is an interesting read, but it is misleading to categorize it as “business and economics” literature. While the book offers generic career advice, it mainly serves to remind the reader that with hard work and persistence anyone can achieve extraordinary success, provided that they have a billionaire father.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, August 11th 2010

Bad Shoes and the Women Who Love Them

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:01:00 +0000

By Leora Tanenbaum

Seven Stories Press

With my feet encased in a pair of red Mary Jane pumps, I sat at my desk reading Bad Shoes and the Women Who Love Them. As a self-described “shoe girl” and vehement hypochondriac I nervously turned the pages, bracing for bad news.

In her book, author Leora Tanenbaum outlines some of the extreme practices women have undergone in the name of footwear—like the practice of foot binding in tenth century China—and gives anecdotal evidence about the serious foot, knee, and back injuries that can arise from wearing modern-day heels. There is a section of the book dedicated to foot maladies. I squirmed through it. Another section discusses cosmetic surgery of the foot, followed by accounts of surgery “horror stories.” Throughout, women discuss the pain their high heels have caused them. All of this is coupled with inconvenient, scientific facts that all confirm high heels can, over time, cause physical pain and deformity.

According to Tanenbaum, shoes are not supposed to hurt, a fact I had never considered. Truth be told, even my “comfortable” office shoes—a beautiful pair of open-toed ballet flats—squish my toes together and dig into my heels as I walk. This, according to Tanenbaum, is neither normal nor healthy for the foot. I’ve never taken the time to find a pair of shoes that are both comfortable and beautiful—mostly because I didn’t believe that such a pair existed.

Tut, tut, Tanenbaum would say. There are countless brands of foot-friendly shoes, some of which are provided in the book. One that I have recently become enamored with, thanks to Tanenbaum’s recommendation, is the Born shoe brand. A recent shopping trip yielded me a stunning (and comfortable!) pair of silver gladiator sandals that leave me feeling as though I am walking on air.

Generally speaking, I love my shoes very much. Any book that will try to scare me away from them will only temporarily divert my attention, and Tanenbaum is aware of this fact. Although she concedes that there are social pressures encouraging women to wear pumps, she does not believe that high heels are “unfeminist.” Bad Shoes and the Women Who Love Them does not attempt to stop women from wearing the shoes they love; it simply suggests that the indulgence be limited to a few hours a week and that comfortable shoes with orthopedic inserts are worn when possible.

Bad Shoes and the Women Who Love Them should be a prerequisite for all shoe-enthusiasts. The book offers practical advice that can easily be incorporated into even the most fashionable of wardrobes. As I type this I am wearing a great pair of black bootie pumps. Although once uncomfortable, I’ve made them substantially more wearable, thanks to the over-the-counter orthopedic inserts I picked up as per Tanenbaum’s suggestion. With a little practical planning, it appears—to borrow from a tired cliché—that women can have their shoes and wear them too, so long as they are smart about it.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, May 20th 2010

Jay Stay Paid

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0000

By J Dilla

Nature Sounds

Throughout his short career renowned hip hop producer, DJ, and rapper J Dilla (a.k.a. James Dewitt Yancey) maintained a vault of unreleased tracks. Three years after passing away from Lupus-related complications, a sampling of his unfinished work has been compiled into a full-length album, a project helmed by his mother (known as "Ma Dukes") and acclaimed producer Pete Rock. The twenty-eight tracks are plucked from different periods in history, spanning from the start of the decade when Dilla collaborated with powerhouse producer Madlib, to tracks written near the end of his career from his hospital bed.

Jay Stay Paid features a variety of beats, most of them clocking in at under two minutes. Influences are diverse; tracks like "I Told Y'all" and "CaDILLAc" are reminiscent of Wu Tang Clan's gritty street stylings, and "Blood Sport" is dance hall friendly. "Mythsyzer," which borrows a voice-over from Busta Rhymes, and "KJay" are experimental tracks that call to mind Dilla's previously-released, ethereal hit "Nothing Like This." "Reality Check" is an insightful social commentary that features the vocals of Black Thought. It's one of the only tracks on the album that feels complete, and it is indicative of Dilla's sharp and informed style.

Intermixed throughout are DJ voice-overs and radio show dialogue—the album very much feels like a mix tape. While the individual tracks on this album are very, very good, Jay Stay Paid is not an album for the masses. Rather, it is a sort of anthropological study—the legacy of an artist gone too soon. That is not to say that Jay Stay Paid is lacking. The album is very much a J Dilla compilation—every track is fueled with the energy, urgency, and relevancy that propelled Dilla to fame in the first place.

A respectable memorial, Jay Stay Paid pays tribute to Dilla's range of talent and provides a glimpse into what future works of art he could have accomplished had he only been given the chance.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, November 1st 2009

Free From Lies: Discovering Your True Needs

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:15:00 +0000

By Alice Miller, Andrew Jenkins

WW Norton

In her latest study, Free From Lies, famed psychologist Alice Miller examines the way child abuse shapes the psyche and the effect it can have on humanity. While the human brain has an incredible ability to normalize traumatic events, Miller argues that abuses suffered in childhood can never truly be repressed. It appears as though humanity is suffering from a collective amnesia regarding the wrongs we suffered in infancy. These wrongs, according to Miller, will manifest themselves later in life. We see evidence of this everywhere—in the form of domestic abuse, war, and genocide—all of which are prominent throughout our history. Those who have been able to break away from the cycle of abuse (a minority of about ten percent) are not without their problems, often suffering from serious health conditions later on in life.

Miller argues that humanity has, for the most part, come to define child abuse as "good parenting." The negative implications of this are two-fold: first, the child develops conflicting views regarding their parents, who act simultaneously as care-giver and as tyrant, and secondly, that the general, worldwide acceptance of child abuse will ensure it is passed down from generation to generation. Miller examines horrific dictators like Adolph Hitler, revered icons like Marilyn Monroe, serial killers, and domestic abusers. While the common denominator among her subjects is, of course, child abuse, Miller looks at the way her subjects have been psychoanalyzed. She argues that history tends to analyze and treat severely traumatized and/or psychotic adults by looking at the symptoms of their pain rather than determining the causes of it. Miller stresses the importance of asking the right questions when dealing with these seemingly traumatized adults. This, according to Miller, is the only way to determine the root cause of abuse and determine the appropriate course of therapy.

Free from Lies is a logical, well-documented study that examines the ideologies that society has been reluctant to confront. Miller challenges others in her field head-on, wondering aloud why some child psychologists continue to deny and document the existence of child abuse. Not only is her fearless study convincing and engaging, the book is also extremely readable. Miller's approach to writing is refreshingly no-nonsense; she refrains from padding her observations with diatribes and academic-speak, ensuring her work can be read and enjoyed by a mainstream audience.

A compelling read, Free from Lies belongs on the bookshelves of everyone from the novice to the well-seasoned psychoanalyst. This important study has all the trimmings of a classic in the making and it is bound to invite and create debate and dissection for many years to come. The study is best appreciated through multiple reading as it will reveal new truths and insights each time. If we want to better our communities, it is imperative we understand our own inner-workings. Free from Lies will serve as an excellent aid by promoting open discussion and release from our own forgotten abuses.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, July 11th 2009

Gaining Ground: A Tool for Advancing Reproductive Rights Law Reform

admin — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:44:00 +0000

Centre for Reproductive Rights

Any act, implicit or implied, that limits or refuses a woman reproductive self-determination is a violation of her human rights. Countries have begun to move forward on this issue via the reformation of existing laws and the implementation of new ones. While progress appears to be afoot, many women remain without access to a safe pregnancy and childbirth, the right to a legal abortion, the right to use birth control and the right to equal partnership within a marriage. The Centre for Reproductive Rights, however, does not condemn countries in their publication, Gaining Ground: A Tool for Advancing Reproductive Rights Law Reform. Instead, they focus on achievements and identify what can be done to ensure future successes.

The book examines nine areas in reproductive rights law from a human rights framework and gives nods to countries that have taken measures to prevent abuse towards women and grant them access to proper healthcare. It is acknowledged, however, that legal reform alone, even when accompanied with severe punishment, will not sufficiently grant women universal access to self-determination. Deep-rooted religious and social beliefs on the status of women can hinder progress substantially. This is exemplified through Mali, where, despite government initiatives to eradicate female genital mutilation, has a population in which 80% of circumcised women believe the practice should continue. Reproductive rights reform then, is not only about legal advocacy. It is a complex issue that needs to be tackled alongside sexist ideals. By focusing on positive achievements rather than condemning countries that have been lax on granting women reproductive rights, Gaining Ground creates a platform for open discussion and makes explicit the challenges some women face.

Founded in 1992, The Centre for Reproductive Rights remains true to their vision to restore “human dignity, self-determination, and equality” to all women with this book. Gaining Grou_nd is honest, compelling and clearly lays out the foundation for establishing reproductive rights reform in all nations. While _Gaining Ground might not be your ideal beach read, it is definitely worth looking into this summer.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, July 5th 2007

Vintage Ornament Charm Bracelet

admin — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 13:31:00 +0000

By Angel Court Jewels

Angel Court Jewels, the self-proclaimed “craftsmen of little saints” creates beautiful products with old age appeal. Their Vintage Ornament Charm Bracelet is truly a capsule piece; it is beautiful today, and it will remain so twenty years from now. The bracelet consists of three deep green beads and three large gold charms, fastened to a sturdy gold-plated chain. This is a piece with substance. It is well-built; I have worn it almost daily for two weeks and did not once worry about the charms falling off or the bracelet becoming unclasped. With the exception of the beads, the entire bracelet is plated in gold and, despite the size of the charms and thickness of the chain, it looks delicate when worn. It is surprisingly versatile; I have paired it with successfully with jeans and with dresses. I would not, however, recommend wearing it to work; the size of the breads and charms make it difficult to write and type. It is a piece that is meant to be on display, and is a perfect companion for a night out on the town. If you like larger than life jewelry, this bracelet is for you. It is fresh, funky, versatile, and guaranteed to grab attention and garner compliments.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, February 2nd 2007

Remembering Women Murdered by Men: Memorials Across Canada

admin — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 13:48:00 +0000

By The Cultural Memory Group

Sumach Press

Every day, women are dying. We outnumber men nine to one as victims of violence, and it is affecting society socially and economically. A recent study by the government of Canada estimates the health-related cost of violence towards women costs the Canadian taxpayer $1.5 billion annually. If women are dying at such an alarming rate, why hasn’t our plight received more attention?

In the book Remembering Women Murdered by Men, The Cultural Memory Group attempts to provide a voice for the millions of victims of femicide. Over a period of five years they tour Canada, examining thirty monuments dedicated to brutalized women. Throughout we find common themes of resistance and bureaucratic foot-dragging; almost every memorial examined experiences some form of backlash. The resistance is patronizing, unwarranted, and found at all levels. Media takes issue with language that demonizes men, War veterans categorize femicide as an issue for “special interest groups,” and universities, keen to acknowledge that women are dying, are reluctant to recognize that women are dying at the hands of men.

The book illustrates the hard work and dedication involved in each monument. Despite public qualms, each memorial was brought into existence though a cooperation of grassroots political groups, local artisans, community volunteers and government officials. They are beautiful works of art that serve as a powerful reminder of gender inequalities. While the monuments turn public spaces into private places for reflection, the book acknowledges that monuments alone do not always inspire activism. Much work is needed in the form of public awareness and education.

If you are interested in women’s issues, read this book. It is informative and well written. While it does, at times, lose itself in academic diatribes, the book is on the whole an entertaining read. Pick it up, take a look, and then share it with a friend. In order to eliminate violence against women, we must first acknowledge it. Reading a book like this is a step in the right direction.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, January 26th 2007

Feels Like Home

admin — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 13:02:00 +0000

By Jessica Bailiff

Kranky

Feels Like Home really does feel like home. Jessica Bailiff’s folky sounds and soothing voice are more toned down from her previous albums Even in Silence (1998), Hour of the Trace (1999) and her self-titled release in 2002. In the past, Bailiff’s shielded her softness with harsh sounds. Here, Bailiff has stripped down and makes her music truly inviting. Beautiful pianos, set before a mystical backdrop, are mixed with electric guitars and simple acoustic chords. This creates a warm space, a perfect companion for reflection and relaxation. Songs like "What’s in Your Mind" and "Cinq" are haunting and dream-like. "If We Could" is reminiscent of her previous works, combining harsh sounding guitars with soothing lyrics. The music is in fact, so beautiful, that it leaves you wanting much, much more; most songs on the album are less than three minutes, but have the potential to go on for much longer. That is not to say this album is a light snack. It is lush, exotic, and mystical. And it is definitely worth a listen.

Written by: Cheryl Santa Maria, November 24th 2006